Overview

Lynn J. Good served as CEO and President of Duke Energy from 2013 to 2024; leading one of the largest electric utilities in the United States. Under her leadership; Duke Energy was involved in the Dan River coal ash spill in February 2014; when a stormwater pipe beneath a coal ash basin at the company's retired Dan River Steam Station in Eden; North Carolina ruptured; releasing an estimated 39;000 tons of coal ash and 27 million gallons of contaminated water into the Dan River. The spill was one of the worst coal ash disasters in U.S. history. Duke Energy pleaded guilty to nine federal Clean Water Act violations in 2015 and paid $102 million in fines and restitution. The spill exposed decades of inadequate coal ash storage at Duke's 14 coal ash sites across North Carolina; where unlined pits allowed toxic heavy metals (arsenic; lead; mercury; selenium) to leach into groundwater; contaminating wells used by surrounding communities. State regulators (the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources) were later found to have had a cozy relationship with Duke; with emails showing coordination between the company and regulators to avoid stricter oversight. Former Governor Pat McCrory had worked at Duke Energy for 28 years before becoming governor. The company's coal ash cleanup costs are estimated at $8-10 billion; which Duke has sought to pass on to ratepayers. Good's total compensation during her tenure exceeded $21 million per year.

Key Affiliations

Controversies & Concerns

Related Investigations (1)

Known Associates & Connections

Sources & Documentation

2 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports